Cairns sits in a pretty special spot. To one side, the Great Barrier Reef. To the other, the ancient Daintree Rainforest. It's a place where you can snorkel with sea turtles in the morning and walk beneath a rainforest canopy in the afternoon. If you're searching for the best things to do in Cairns, you've landed in the right place. This guide covers 12 experiences that will make your trip genuinely unforgettable.
1. Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
This is the big one. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth, and getting out on the water to see it up close is something you'll talk about for years. Book the Premium Great Barrier Reef Cruise to 3 Reef Locations for a full day on the water visiting multiple reef sites, with unlimited snorkelling and the option to dive. Go early in your trip so you have time to go back if the weather doesn't cooperate on your first attempt.
2. Glide Over the Rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway
The Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience takes you over the top of the Wet Tropics rainforest in a gondola, with views that genuinely stop you in your tracks. You'll float above a sea of green with the mountains behind you and the coast in the distance. Stop at the mid-stations to walk boardwalk trails through the forest floor and learn about the ecosystem below.
3. Spend a Day in Kuranda Village
Kuranda is a small rainforest village about 25 kilometres from the city centre, and it's well worth the trip. The markets are full of locally made crafts, the cafes are laid-back, and the surrounding nature is stunning. Combine your visit with the Classic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Tour with Transfers to make the journey part of the experience. It's one of those days where the getting there is just as good as the destination.
4. Meet Crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
About 40 minutes north of the city, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is one of the best wildlife parks in Far North Queensland. You'll get closer to saltwater crocodiles than you ever thought you'd want to, plus there are cassowaries, koalas, and native snakes throughout the park. The crocodile feeding shows are genuinely thrilling. Go early to beat the afternoon heat.
5. Take a Scenic Flight Over the Reef
If you want a perspective on the reef that most visitors never get, book a scenic flight. The 40 Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns gives you an aerial view of the coral formations, sandbars, and impossibly blue water stretching out to the horizon. Seeing the sheer scale of the reef from above puts everything into context. It's also a great option if you're not a strong swimmer but still want to experience the reef.
6. Explore Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a national park island just 45 minutes by ferry from the city, and it's one of those places that feels like a proper escape. The snorkelling directly off the beach is excellent, the hiking trails are manageable, and the pace of life slows right down the moment you step off the boat. Book the Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day Trip with Optional Lunch to make the most of your time there. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof bag for your gear.
7. Discover Paronella Park
This one surprises a lot of people. Paronella Park is a ruined Spanish-style castle set in the rainforest, built by a Spanish immigrant in the 1930s as a gift to the people of Queensland. It sounds odd, and it is, but in the best possible way. The grounds are beautiful, the story behind the place is fascinating, and the night tours are especially atmospheric. It's about an hour and a half south of the city, so plan it as a day trip.
8. Go for a Jet Boat Ride on the Inlet
Not every great experience here involves the reef. The Cairns Jet Boat Ride is a 35-minute adrenaline hit through the inlet, with spins, slides, and speeds that will leave you grinning for the rest of the day. It's a good option for a morning activity before heading out to the reef in the afternoon. Kids love it, but honestly, so do adults.
9. Connect with Country on a Dreamtime Dive
The Dreamtime Dive from Reef Fleet Terminal is a reef experience led by First Nations guides who share the cultural significance of the ocean and reef to the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people. It's a genuinely moving experience that adds real depth to your understanding of this place. Don't skip this one. It's not just another snorkel trip.
10. Float Over the Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon
The Cairns Hot Air Balloon Flight launches at dawn over the Atherton Tablelands, with views across farmland, forest, and the distant coast. The early start is worth every minute. It's peaceful in a way that's hard to describe, and the light at that time of morning is extraordinary. Most flights are followed by a champagne breakfast, which is a very civilised way to start a day.
11. Visit the Cairns Aquarium
If you're travelling with kids, or if a rainy day sneaks up on you, the Cairns Aquarium is a genuinely impressive way to spend a few hours. The exhibits cover the full range of Far North Queensland's aquatic ecosystems, from freshwater billabongs to deep reef environments. It's also a good primer before heading out to the real reef. You'll recognise species you've already seen up close.
12. End the Day on a Harbour Dinner Cruise
After days of early starts and big adventures, treat yourself to a slow evening on the water. The Cairns Harbour and Dinner Cruise takes you out into Trinity Inlet at sunset, with a gourmet dinner on board and views back over the city as the light fades. It's a relaxed, memorable way to wind down your trip. Book it for your last night as a proper send-off.
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Cairns rewards travellers who come prepared and stay curious. The experiences above barely scratch the surface of what this part of Australia has to offer, but they'll give your first trip a solid foundation. Ready to start planning? Browse all available tours and activities through TixLayer and lock in your favourites before they sell out.